As temperatures continue to rise around the world, a Japanese company has come up with a unique way to help people cool off. Trusco Nakayama launched the Do Hiemon Box earlier this year, describing it as a “personal cooling box” that works like a refrigerator for humans. The stainless-steel booth stands nearly 7 feet tall and includes a clear acrylic door and a sitting bench inside. It looks a lot like a personal sauna, except it does the exact opposite. Once seated inside, users are blasted from behind and above with air cooled to about 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). The cold air is directed toward the neck and upper body, and users can choose from three temperature and airflow settings. The machine automatically shuts off after 20 minutes to prevent overcooling. © Trusco The 646-pound box sits on locking wheels, allowing it to be moved around. It does not require any special installation and can be used indoors or outdoors by plugging it into a standard Japanese electrical outlet.
The product arrives during a brutal summer. Earlier this year, the Japanese weather agency adopted a new term for especially hot days. The Japan Meteorological Agency announced in April that days that reach at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) will now be referred to as “kokushobi,” translated as “severely hot day.” The term was selected through a public vote.
